ICA FORMS GROUP TO FIGHT TOBACCO ADVERTISING BAN
By Adnews Staff
The Institute of Canadian Advertising has formed the Coalition For Commercial Freedom Of Speech to combat Bill C-71. The bill severely restricts tobacco advertising and sponsorships. The Federal government will begin debating the bill this week. ÒOur industry cannot tolerate legislation that would be an effective ban on advertising of a product which can be legally manufactured, distributed, sold and consumed in this country. Tobacco and sponsorships may be the governmentÕs target this year, but the coalition will also be alert to stem any future action that might involve products or services that any Canadian Government decides are socially harmful.Ó ICA will extend invitations to other Canadian advertising and media associations to join the coalition to mount a program to maintain the constitutional right for the freedom of expression via advertising. Actions of the coalition will reinforce efforts by other groups such as the Alliance for Sponsorship Freedom. ICA is a national association for advertising agencies.